Biden's heat protection rule leaves public sector workers at risk

A loophole in a 1972 law prevents about 7.9 million public-sector workers from receiving OSHA's proposed heat protections.

Ariel Wittenberg reports for E&E News.

In short:

• Congress passed a law in 1972 excluding public workers from OSHA protections, leaving millions vulnerable to workplace injuries and heat-related risks.
• OSHA's new heat rule mandates private employers provide water and rest breaks, but public workers in 23 states remain unprotected.
• Public-sector workers have nearly double the injury rate of private-sector workers, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety regulations.

Key quote:

"If they aren’t covered by OSHA, they have no right to a safe workplace. If someone gets hurt or killed, there is no investigation, no citation, no lessons learned."

— Jordan Barab, former OSHA deputy assistant secretary

Why this matters:

The exclusion of public workers from OSHA protections can result in higher injury rates and potential fatalities, especially in extreme heat. Ensuring all workers are protected can prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.